Post
by Neil Mace » Wed Oct 01, 2008 3:02 pm
Shooting Dog Stake:
What is the expected performance of a dog in a Shooting Dog Stake?
—"A Shooting Dog Stake is held for the purpose of promoting the ideal shooting dog, one that will
find and handle correctly all game birds on the designated course.
"The superior shooting dog is one that excites constant admiration for the quality of his performance
and does nothing to displease or annoy. Without giving his handler any unnecessary effort, he will in
an artistic and polished manner give him the most quality bird finds that are to be had on the ground
covered.
"The exemplary shooting dog displays an intense desire to find birds for his handler, a nose keen to
detect the presence of game, and the ability to locate it quickly and accurately by body scent. He
shows staunchness, intensity, positiveness and lofty style on point and steadiness to wing and shoot.
"In hunting, a shooting dog of the first water evidences bird sense, an understanding of the habits of
game and displays the wisdom to use the wind to advantage; he adopts pace and range that is most
effective on the ground being worked under the conditions which exist. He possesses speed, properly
applied, is industrious and thorough in his search, handles the immediate terrain and does not run past
objectives, and has adequate range, which is intelligently directed. He moves easily, pleasingly,
gracefully, animated and happy while running and manifests lofty head and tail on point. He works
independent of continuous direction from the handler and exhibits perfect manners at all times. This
includes, when opportunity is afforded, backing a bracemate on rigid point.
"Intelligent patterning of a course, hunting to the front, quickness in locating his handler and in
seeing and hearing his commands, prompt obedience, courage and willingness to face unflinchingly
heavy or punishing cover plus boldness on game, mark the class shooting dog. Proper handing
response is paramount.
"The performer that fulfills the requirements naturally and cheerfully is preferable to one that works
mechanically, although errorlessly.
"Whenever practicable, the dog may be worked on single birds and sho uld do his work cheerfully and
in a natural way.
"It is distinctly understood that a slow dog, one lacking in stamina, or one that is circumscribed in
range is not in favor. All the speed and range a dog can well utilize in the hunting field is desired, but
it must at all times be applied properly. The bold, snappy, dashing dog will have quick and pleasing
response at all times, keeping uppermost in mind the finding and pointing of birds for his handler. A
dog should not hunt in straight lines, but exhibit intelligence and true bird- finding ability by hunting
the likely places on the course, working for his handler, swinging to the course when the character of
the country and cover requires so doing. Instinct, natural qualifications, training and experience
equip him for superior work. Exceptional style, beauty of carriage, and grace of movement are
important.
"The Standard seeks to glorify the ideal hunting dog which works indefatigably in the interest of the
gun, a dog with character and courage which displays all essential qualifications, plus refinements of
expert training."
(Quoted from Parke C. Brinkley in "Standard For The National Open Shooting Dog Championship)
Shooting Dog Standard
What should the judges do when no dog totally meets the shooting dog standard?
—In any given Shooting Dog Stake, it may be very difficult to place a dog, which totally meets this
exalted standard. Therefore, out of necessity, there will frequently be a need to accept a dog whose
qualities and character can only begin to approximate this standard. The standard when applied
should seek out the dog which displays superior bird dog characteristics in the form of natural
qualities such as pace, range, bird sense, nose, stamina and style. The contender sought after should
render a balanced, biddable performance, search intelligently and exhibit bird findings ability with
quality always superceding quantity, manifest accuracy of location, loftiness and intensity on point.
Subservience to the handler and proper handling response without the benefit of scouting and
excessive handling are the "sine qua non" of a shooting dog. Excessive range on the part of a
shooting dog is not considered desirable. When considering bird work, the judge should be swayed
not by the frequency of occurrence but rather by the quality of performance.
I couldn't resist,, I'm only 5'7" on a good hair day.
Our dog took 3rd and 1,2, & 4th were withheld. Now...this dog would have been finished on their AFC title had they placed them 1st, am I upset or insulted? NOPE...I actually would have been embarrassed 
to have a win even a second place on that run. In no way was that run worthy of a 1st or 2nd place, especially knowing how that dog normally performs. 
